Simms on Kaepernick: ‘That arm alone is enough to make you a franchise QB’

After a series of questions about Colin Kaepernick’s running ability – you may have heard he ran for close to one million yards against the Packers – Jim Harbaugh wanted to remind everyone Monday that his young quarterback wasn’t a modern-day Bobby Douglass (look it up, youngsters).

KAP

Colin Kaepernick. (AP)

In addition to his legs, Kaepernick flashed his laser arm, Harbaugh noted.

“There were several throws – maybe to get off the running quarterback topic – just in terms of Colin throwing the ball,” Harbaugh said. “There were throws that were piercing once again in this game where he powered the ball through the defense. Thinking of throws to Randy (Moss) in the middle of the field, to Vernon Davis, 45-50 yards the ball is in the air, on a line, to a spot and heck of a grab by Vernon on that particular play.”

Another former NFL quarterback, Phil Simms, was also interested in discussing Kaepernick’s golden arm, even after the second-year signal-caller rushed for more yards than any QB in NFL history Saturday. On NFL Monday QB on CBS Sports Network, Simms said Kaepernick’s arm strength and accuracy alone make him elite.

“He may be the most dynamic quarterback in the NFL,” Simms said. “His arm is not good, it’s special. If you watch the San Francisco 49ers ever since he became quarterback, you see these throws every single week. It’s not only the power. It’s the accuracy. That’s what has really startled me. He can throw it hard on a line, but his touch passes down the field have been spectacular … Forget the running, that arm alone is enough to make you a franchise quarterback.”

Largely lost amidst his rushing records was the fact that Kaepernick threw for 263 yards, the second-highest total of his eight-start career. After throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown on the game’s fourth offensive play, he completed 16 of 29 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns. Passer rating: 107.5.